A Sports Fan’s Guide to Durham
Ready to get out and explore Durham? We’ve missed the crack of a bat, cheering on hometown teams, and taking in outdoor activities with friends, too. Here are some bucket list must-do’s if you’re a sports fan in Durham. Make sure to check with each destination for COVID-19 operating hours and protocols.
Get the full Bull Durham experience
You can find backdrops and familiar spots from the cult-favorite Bull Durham movie all around Durham. Take yourself out to a Durham Bulls’ ballgame, and then follow this guide to see all the Bull Durham sites put together by our friends at Visit North Carolina.
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Catch footy at local favorites
International soccer fan? There are two spots in Durham for you to catch the action. Head downtown to Bull McCabes or head over to the Rockwood neighborhood and check out The Boot Room. Bull McCabes is a traditional Irish pub with 20 beers on tap and TVs galore. Soccer and sports fans will find something to love about this downtown staple, and families and friends will love the large, expansive patio seating perfect for warmer weather and social distancing. The Boot Room, a sandwich shop, soccer pub, and event space connected to Beer Study, a bottle shop, and barcade, both feature lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. You’ll know you’re in the right place if soccer is playing on multiple indoor and outdoor TVs.
Play a round and find a 19th hole
The greens are finally drying out, and Durham is ready to welcome you to one of its six golf courses! Head over to Duke’s campus for a round at the Duke University Golf Course, followed by drinks at the Bull Durham Bar in the Washington Duke Inn. The Duke University Golf Course is a par 72 public Trent Jones course on the beautiful campus of Duke University and in the shadows of the tranquil retreat that is the Washington Duke Inn. Ready for another round? Hillandale Golf Course, a public par 71 course, hosts an average of 45,000 rounds a year! Wrap up the day with a dozen wings at the new Heavenly Buffaloes location near Erwin Road, or grab a custom popsicle from the famous Locopops!
Let us show you the ropes to climbing
Did you know Durham is home to the largest indoor bouldering space in a five-state radius? Triangle Rock Club offers 90-minute reservations to climb, plus private instruction, group visits, and even a Durham Community League! After you’ve climbed to the rafters, grab a delicious bite from Only Burger or coffee and snack from Bull and the Bean. If pizza is more of your thing, you can build your own pie at Pops Backdoor Restaurant. You’re sure to work up an appetite.
Break out of your routine with an Xtreme adventure
Feeling Xtreme? Make a reservation for paintball, zipline, a ropes course, and more at the most XTREME spot in Durham! Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends, Xtreme Park Adventures has something for every adventure lover.
Get outdoors!
Trails and more trails! Lace-up your shoes and hit the American Tobacco Trail, the Al Buehler Trail, or one of the over 30 miles of trails and greenway maintained by Durham Parks and Recreation. The Durham Bike & Hike Map is available electronically through the Transportation Department.
